Larry Zimmer, the longtime Colorado Buffaloes radio announcer who also spent time broadcasting games for the Denver Broncos, Michigan Wolverines and Colorado State Rams, among others, died Saturday at the age of 88.
Surrounded by family after a 10-day stay at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, Colo., Zimmer passed away peacefully, per the University of Colorado.
The school honored the man dubbed the “Voice of the Buffaloes” who broadcast 486 football contests and another 525 basketball games for them with a moment of silence prior to Sunday’s women’s basketball game between Colorado and Southern California.
“His voice was synonymous with our athletic program and he was most beloved by our coaches, players and fans,” Colorado athletic director Rick George said. “Whether it was calling games on KOA or serving as a master of ceremonies for many of our functions, Larry Zimmer was CU. He is truly a part of our overall athletic history. We will miss Zim and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Zimmer handled either play-by-play or color commentary duties for Colorado for 42 seasons and handled 26 seasons of commentary for the Broncos. He was on the microphone for four Super Bowls. He also called 51 Michigan football games and 34 Colorado State football contests.
“The Broncos are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary radio broadcaster and longtime Ring of Fame committee member Larry Zimmer,” the organization said in a released statement. “During his 52-year association with the Broncos, Larry called some of the franchise’s most iconic moments and helped honor some of our greatest legends. Our thoughts go out to Larry’s wife, Brigitte, and his entire family.”
Born in 1935 in New Orleans, La., Zimmer started his education at LSU before transferring to Missouri, where he graduated in 1957. Zimmer got his start doing baseball games for the Tigers before taking on broadcasting duties for Michigan in 1966.
He joined KOA five years later, kick-starting his long associations with CU and the Broncos.
